Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
also known as the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows
✦ Meditate on the Seven Sorrows with Sacred Art
This page is both a prayer guide and a meditation gallery. At the top, you’ll find the prayers and instructions for the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows. Then, as you scroll down, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the sacred artwork — original Talmid Studios™ creations paired with reflections to help you pray each sorrow with Mary.
✦ What is the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows?
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows, also called the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, is a devotion revealed to the Servite Order in the 13th century. It invites the faithful to meditate on seven events of deep suffering in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary — from Simeon’s prophecy in the Temple to the placing of Jesus in the tomb. Through this prayer, we unite our hearts with Mary’s sorrows and draw closer to the Passion of her Son.
✦ Why do Catholics pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary?
Catholics pray this devotion to grow in compassion, repentance, and love for Christ. By meditating on Mary’s sorrows, we learn to see suffering in the light of God’s plan and find strength in her example of faith. The Blessed Mother has encouraged this devotion in her approved apparitions — especially at Kibeho, Rwanda, where she promised special graces for those who pray it faithfully.
✦ How to Pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary:
Opening:
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Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
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Pray the Act of Contrition (to unite yourself to the sorrows of Mary and to repent of sin).
For Each Sorrow:
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Announce the Sorrow and read the related Scripture passage.
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Pray One Our Father.
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Pray Seven Hail Marys (while meditating on the Sorrow).
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Conclude with the prayer: “Holy Mother, hear my prayers, and renew in my heart each wound of Jesus, my Savior.”
The Seven Sorrows: Meditate on each of the Seven Sorrows of Mary as you pray the Chaplet:
Below you’ll find sacred art paired with reflections to guide your meditation.
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The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)
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The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)
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The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)
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Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Luke 23:27–31; John 19:17)
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The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25–30)
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The Body of Jesus is Placed in Mary’s Arms (Luke 23:50–54; John 19:31–34, 38)
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The Body of Jesus is Laid in the Tomb (Luke 23:55–56)
Closing:
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After the seventh sorrow, pray 3 Hail Marys in honor of the Virgin Mary’s tears.
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Conclude with this prayer (traditional Servite conclusion): “Virgin Most Sorrowful, pray for us, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”
